A South Australian indigenous group says it was not properly consulted on plans for a controversial mining trial and has launched Supreme Court action to halt the project.

Leigh Creek Energy announced this week it had received approval to begin a three-month underground coal gasification trial at a former mine site at Leigh Creek, in the state’s north.

The traditional owners of the land, the Adnyamathanha people, on Thursday sought an urgent Supreme Court injunction arguing the statement of environmental objectives necessary for the permit to be approved had not been properly completed.

Outside court, Adnyamathanha Traditional Lands Association chief executive Vince Coulthard said he was surprised the permit was granted, given his previous conversations with the state’s mining and energy minister.

He said the local indigenous community was consulted about the project but “not to the way they should”.

“There’s been consultations happening, no denying that,” he said.

“However, we sort of feel that could’ve been done in a better way.”

The case will return to court on Monday.

By Kathryn Bermingham